Europe

In two referendums, in 1972 and 1994 respectively, the majority of the Norwegian population voted against membership of the European Union (EU). Nevertheless, Norway enjoys close cooperation with the EU in most areas, and developments in the EU are of importance to Norway. Read more

The Agreement on the European Economic Area (the EEA Agreement) links Norway to the EU. The Agreement gives Norway access to the EU’s internal market, and Norway provides funding to reduce social and economic disparities in Europe. Read more

The Council of Europe plays an important role in creating stability, preventing conflict and building democracy in Europe. Norway has always given high priority to this arena for cooperation, and will continue to do so. Read more

Norway was one of the founding members of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The organisation was founded in 1975 in Helsinki, as the Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe, but has expanded greatly since then and now comprises 55 member states in Europe, North America, and the whole CIS area. Read more